Estonian Parliament to Consider Bill Restricting Belarusian Citizens’ Property Purchases

A bill proposing restrictions on property purchases by citizens of Belarus and Russia has been submitted to the Estonian parliament. Its first reading is scheduled for October 14, ERR reports.

The bill was previously approved by the Estonian government. It gives the government the authority to designate countries whose citizens and companies may pose a threat to Estonia’s security or public order through property ownership. Russia and Belarus are initially expected to be named.

The bill would allow citizens of Russia and Belarus who do not hold permanent residence permits in Estonia, as well as companies from those countries and legal entities under their control, to be prohibited from acquiring property anywhere in the country.

The law would not apply retroactively and would not affect property already owned. The restrictions would also not apply to Russian and Belarusian citizens who hold permanent residence permits or the right of permanent residence in Estonia. Renting property would remain permitted.

“Real estate must not become a channel through which Estonia’s security interests are harmed. The bill improves the state’s ability to prevent such risks and helps avoid situations in which existing restrictions are circumvented through companies,” said Urmas Kruuse, chairman of the parliament’s Rural Affairs Committee.